[Changed working plans can improve medical training].

Introduction: The quality of clinical medical training in Denmark has been closely debated and criticised in recent years. Reorganisation of the daily working plans is one of the recommendations for improvement.

Method: In the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, we made changes in the daily working plans in order to improve supervision and training. These changes included firmer attachment of the young residents to specialised medical teams in the department and the creation of more supervised working situations. The morning rounds were done by all the senior and junior doctors in the team together, which meant that the rounds could be completed in half-an-hour and consequently more senior doctors were available for supervision during the rest of the day. This was adopted by the outpatient clinic, the endoscopy unit, and the operating rooms, where activities did not start until after the rounds.

Results: The changes led to a considerable increase in the number of working situations with supervision. Assessment by a questionnaire showed that residents also found significant improvements in supervision during all clinical activities. Overall satisfaction with the department and working conditions increased.

Conclusion: Many different aspects must be considered if clinical medical training is to improve. One key factor is a thorough revision of the daily working plans, so as to establish as many supervised teaching situations as possible.